big track... I guess I am at a loss when people say Kabaka sounds like others. I just don't see it at all. I heard Jr Gong and now Protoje....my assumption is that it is because they have a Hip Hop delivery to their lyrics?

Ninja, I guess I am at fault with the reference to Kabaka and what he sounds like. First, I should apologize or at least clarify what I meant. Each artist has their own style, of course. I also have NEVER heard Kabaka live and fortunately will have that experience at Rebel Salute. On the other hand, I know Protoje's deliverly quite well both live and on cd. There is a rather large movement in Jamaica right now for the new generation to bring back consciousness and roots music- with quality, style and professionalism. This includes Kabaka, Jah 9, Protoje, Raging Fyah and others. I pick up up some silmilarities throughout the movement, so when I say that, I am not referring to "I hear this song by Protoje" and now I hear the next person that sounds just like him. What I hear is a new way of presenting music where the influence is shared. I love it. I love all of them and very pleased to see such a positive movement going on. It's not just a dancehall influence at all.

I hear people doing that too. I have introduced Niyorah to a few people and they tell me "oh, he sounds just like Damien Marley." What? where do people come up with this stuff. I guess that most country or heavy metal sounds the same to me so benefit of the doubt to them.

I think what this says is people hear different things in music. I am a radio dj and have a pretty well trained ear so I don't think I fit into some predisposed idea of musical ignorance. I also know people hear differently and focus on various aspects of music. That is what makes it so personal.

Where do people come up with this stuff? from their previous experiences and intuitions. It is not an insult and in many cases a great compliment. Haven't heard a single singer yet complain if they were compared in sound to Dennis Brown. In fact, don't we all hope that new generations revive what has been lost? Not exactly the same subject with this topic, but still another way of looking at the wonders of reminding people of favorite artists. I can truly say I love Protoje (Oje) as a good friend and professionally, I really look forward to the future contributions these young artist are making.

Interesting that others have also noticed the similarities of some of these artists. I have heard a Protoje song that at first I thought sounded like Niyorah and have also heard a Kabaka Pyramid song that sounded like Damien Marley.